by Cole Lepley
She cocks her head in challenge while she waits for my question. I take a calming breath.
“Do you love Sean?”
Her eyes turn sad, but she nods anyway. I can’t hold back anymore as I jog across the field to meet her. I grab her face in my hands and let the ball fall to the ground.
“It’s okay if you do. I can’t imagine why, but I get it.”
She buries her face in my chest when she speaks. “It’s not that I love him, it’s that I want him to love me. A twisted part of me thinks if he did, all of this would have meant something.”
I tilt her chin back up and wipe away a single tear. “That man loves no one. He is a disgusting human being who deserves nothing but pain and heartache for what he’s done to you.” I place her hand on my chest. “This is where love comes from. Your heart. He doesn’t have one.”
Her hand rests flat on my chest as it beats. I know she can feel how intense I am right now. Her eyes focus on her hand.
“I want that so much. I want someone to love me like that.”
I almost laugh. It’s like she doesn’t hear a word I’m saying. I lean down and kiss her forehead. “Your turn, babe.”
I grab the ball and hand it to her before jogging back to my mark. She tosses it high, and it lands perfectly in my arms. I give a thumbs up. “See, you’re a natural.”
We almost have to yell at this point, but it’s the most fun I’ve had in as long as I could remember.
“Are you going to Rome next semester?”
Her words catch me off guard because I never mentioned it to her. I had a discussion with coach about missing the first week of training camp next season so I could go in the Spring term, but that’s as far as it went.
“I was thinking about it. My father did and my grandfather before that.”
She smiles. “Then you should go.”
“Trying to get rid of me already?”
My teasing demeanor causes her to frown. “No, I want you to do what makes you happy. I’ll be here when you get back.”
I smile. “You’d wait for me?”
She nods. “As long as it takes. I’m not leaving again.”
I can’t take the distance anymore. New plan.
“Okay,” I say, gripping the ball. “I’m going to throw a touchdown pass. If you catch it and make it to the end zone, you win… but if you drop it or I tackle you before you get there, I win.”
She laughs. “That’s never going to happen. You’re the quarterback for a reason.”
“I’ll give you a ten second head start.”
Mischief dances in her eyes. “Okay, I’m in.”
I take my stance and spiral the ball down to her. She catches it like a pro and takes off down the field, tearing the already low slit in her dress further. I only count to five before I take off after her.
I gain on her fast and I can hear the panting in her voice. It’s incredibly sexy for so many reasons. When we make it to end zone, I wrap my arms around her and tackle her as gently as possible to the ground, cushioning her fall so she lands on top of me.
She bursts into laughter, still clutching the ball for dear life. She looks down to me, her hair tangled in her face. “Did I win?”
I lean up and give her a slow kiss, taking the remaining breath from her lungs. “Yeah, babe. You win.”
Chapter 38
End Game
Mackenzie
The rain pouring down from the sky put our touchdown celebration in the end zone on hold. I laugh as I try to shield what’s left of my hair as we make a beeline to his truck. He throws me the keys and makes a stop by the bleachers to grab his bag and a hidden basket. I reach the truck and unlock the doors, ringing my soaked hair out before climbing inside.
He jumps in the driver’s side after tossing his bag and the mystery basket in the back.
I point with my thumb, grinning. “What’s that?”
He blushes a little, which I find incredibly adorable. “Well, it was an idea I got from Ollie. He says no girl can resist a picnic. Pretty lame, huh?”
I grab the side of his face and kiss him hard. “No, not lame. I think it’s romantic.”
Judah cranks the ignition with a smirk. “Well, you’re in luck, babe. We’re about to have a super romantic picnic in bed.”
My smile nearly cracks my face as he reaches over and laces his hand with mine. We drive in silence back to the apartment. After the confessions we made, a little quiet is nice. I like being honest with Judah about my feelings. I also like that he gives me the same in return. It can’t be easy to tell someone you care about that you still love someone else, and yet, he does. He doesn’t keep that intimate detail from me even though it’s hard. We keep getting closer to that level of comfort I’ve been longing for. I just wish three little words wouldn’t keep getting caught in my throat. I’ll have to keep working on that.
When we pull into the apartment complex, I notice our light is on signaling Zander must have already stumbled home. I turn to Judah.
“Can we go to your place?” I glance down at my torn, damp dress. “I need a shower and a change of clothes.”
He leans over and kisses my forehead. “I have something you can wear.” He smirks again. “If you don’t mind sharing a shower with me. The hot water runs out fast.”
My insides turn liquid at his words, so I just nod. He gives me a heady gaze back as we exit the vehicle and head to the stairwell. My legs feel heavier with each step. This may not be the first time we’ve had sex, but it feels important. Pushing things with Judah too soon was a mistake, now I think I’m ready to try again.
We enter the apartment and he flicks on the light. I glance down at my tattered dress and muddy feet. I look a total mess. He obviously doesn’t think so because he’s looking at me like he wants to tear my dress off with his teeth.
He drops his bag to the floor and takes my hand again. We walk to the small bathroom at the end of the hall. He stops to grabs some towels from the linen closet and sets them on the vanity.
Suddenly, we’re facing each other. It’s silent except for our sporadic breaths. I move first. My hands reach the hem of his shirt and pull it over his head. It hits the ceramic tile with a slap and I almost jump. He moves closer and runs his hands down my arms.
“You sure about this?”
I nod.
He kisses one collarbone and then the other before peppering kisses up my neck. He speaks below my ear. “I want to see all over you. Take off your dress.”
His words aren’t demanding, or scary. He’s forceful, yet gentle in a way I can’t describe.
I hook my thumbs in the top of my dress and push it down to my waist, revealing only my lacy black strapless bra. He bites his lip and lets out a groan, watching me intently.
“More?” I ask, almost a whisper.
“Please.”
I push my dress the rest of the way down to my ankles and step out of it. It leaves a puddle on the floor beside his T-shirt. When I hook my thumbs in my panties his hands stop me.
“My turn.”
He kneels down and proceeds to pull them down with his teeth. He makes it to about my knees and impatience gets the best of him before he pulls them the rest of the way down with his hands. The next thing I feel is his warm tongue between my legs, licking his way up my center. My hand fists in his damp hair and I whisper his name in a moan.
His eyes peek up at me before moving upward. He kisses up to my belly button, along my ribs, and then with one finger he pulls down the cup of my bra. When his teeth clench around my nipple, I gasp. My body trembles as his other hand finds its way below again. With his mouth on my breast and his finger inside of me I can barely stand. The grunts coming from him indicate that he can’t stand it much longer either.
Almost too fast, he rises and turns on the water. He adjusts it to an appropriate temperature before removing his jeans and boxers and I release what’s left of my bra.
He tests the water one last time before reaching for m
y hand. We step inside under the stream and our bodies melt together. I can feel his arousal pressed between my thighs and I can’t help but grind against it. He grunts and reaches his hand down to halt me.
“Not yet, babe. Let me clean you first.”
If the water wasn’t so warm I would shudder. He grabs some shampoo from a bottle and rubs it in his hands. “Turn around.”
I smile. “All you had to do was ask.”
He slaps my ass and I yelp. “What a dirty mind you have.”
I reluctantly comply and enjoy how good it feels to have his hands run the soap through my hair. Every once in a while I press my ass back against his erection and he groans. I know this is like torture to him, but I’m totally enjoying it.
As I turn back around to rinse, I reach for the sponge and lather it with soap. “My turn.”
He stands in front of me in all his glory, his smoky gaze everywhere but my eyes. I start at his neck and work my way across his firm chest and down his chiseled stomach. When I make it a little far south—I drop the sponge. His eyes widen as I take his shaft firmly in my hand and stroke from base to tip.
He sucks air back through his teeth. “Jesus, Mack.”
I tilt my head, while working him faster. “What? You want me to stop?”
He shakes his head. Before I can reply he grabs me by the hips and lifts me against the wall of the shower. “I can’t wait any longer.”
He positions himself between my legs running just the tip up and down my entrance.
“You ready?”
I nod.
He grips my hips with one hand my chin with the other so I have to look him in the eye.
“Tell me. I want you to tell me that you want this.”
“I want you, Judah. I… I want you.”
It was a close call on the love declaration, and I think I pulled it off because in the next moment he slips inside of me.
He moves slow, testing how much I can handle. He’s always been gentle with me and at first I thought it was because he was afraid. As if I were too fragile. Now I’m not sure that’s the case.
Judah maintains eye contact with me for the longest time, his breaths coming faster. It’s so intimate and a part of me wants to look away. Being this close to someone is hard for me.
But Judah makes it okay.
His lips brush mine and I gasp when he shifts deeper. The water falls down around us and he keeps a firm grip on my waist, holding me to the wall. I kiss him harder and he keeps the languid pace.
It’s melting me from the inside out. Always building, always getting harder not to break apart in his arms. I rock my hips, my back slipping up the wall of the shower. He grunts into my mouth and breaks our kiss, meeting our eyes again.
His hand cradles the back of my neck. “You feel so fucking good.” He groans, shifting upward hard. “I’m not going to last much longer.”
I dig my nails into his back, my own release threatening. “Me, too.”
My words come out in a rush and he moves faster. I cry out his name when the pressure becomes too much, and he crushes his lips to mine. His tongue tangles in my mouth and he gives me three quick thrusts before pulling away.
My feet hit the wet floor of the shower and I lean back to catch my breath. He looks over at me and smiles before planting a chaste kiss on my lips. “So much for getting clean.”
After actually cleaning up, Judah has bestowed upon me his beloved State Championship T-shirt and lucky pink boxer shorts. I didn’t ask why they were lucky, and I’m not sure I want to know. We’re lounging on his bed, rummaging through the basket that was supposed to be our dinner.
Judah laughs when he pulls out a small box with a note attached. He makes a face as he reads it.
I nudge his arm. “What does it say?”
He clears his throat. “I’m too young to be a grandfather. Wrap it before you tap it. Love, Z.”
I cover my mouth to stifle my laugh. “He’s too much.”
Judah tosses the box of condoms to the side and grabs a small bottle of champagne. He holds it up with a smile. “Now, this is better.”
“You want to be all classy and drink straight from the bottle?” I ask, leaning back on my elbow.
“You know it.” He pops the top with expert skill and catches the liquid that dribbles down the side with his tongue. Just seeing his tongue again makes my stomach flip.
He hands it to me and I take a long pull. The sweet, bubbly liquid tastes incredible. I watch on as he gathers crackers and assorted cheeses. All of which are professionally wrapped and obviously expensive. I raise an eyebrow and he shrugs.
“Hey, I’m not good at this and I wanted you to have the best.” He leans over the basket and kisses me once more. “Because that’s what you deserve.”
I look down at the bottle in my hands. “You really think so?”
“More than you’ll ever know.”
He kisses me once and steals the bottle from my hand. He looks around at the spread on his queen-sized bed. “I think we did this backwards. Aren’t I supposed to take you to dinner and then try to have sex with you?” He looks to me in mock horror. “Did you just take advantage of me?”
I push aside the basket and several things clang inside. I crawl my way on top of him until he’s on his back. “I hate to break it to you, but it wasn’t the first time.” I kiss him, swiping my tongue inside his mouth. I pull back just an inch. “And it certainly won’t be the last.”
He presses up against me signaling he’s ready for round two. “I think I could be okay with that.”
Judah brushes the hair from my eyes and stares at my face a beat longer than I would like. He looks like he wants to say something and I’m not sure I want him to. He opens his mouth and before he can speak, I cover his mouth with mine. His hands snake around my body and all of those thoughts are forgotten—for now.
Don’t worry, Judah. I love you, too.
Chapter 39
Loose Ends
Judah
Seeing Mack wake up in my clothes is a sight I may never get enough of. Her hair is tangled around my pillow and her lips are parted as she breathes. I wish I knew how to make a decent breakfast. Breakfast in bed with her would definitely be sexy.
“Judah,” she croaks.
I lean down and kiss her cheek. “Yeah, babe.”
She doesn’t open her eyes. “Stop watching me sleep, it’s creepy.”
I laugh, kissing her once more. “If you say so.” I roll over on my back and rest my hands behind my head. Finally, I can take a full breath without that crushing weight suffocating me from the inside out. Something was missing, and it was her.
My peaceful bliss is interrupted by a pounding on my front door. Mack pokes her head up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. “Who could that be?” She glances at the clock on my nightstand. “It’s seven-thirty in the morning.”
I groan, shoving the covers off of me. “I have no fucking clue, but they better have a good excuse.”
I stomp down the hall in my boxers and pull the door open. Zander stares back at me with an apologetic expression. He smirks when he takes in my lack of clothing.
“Hey,” he says, running his hand through his still messy hair. He’s wearing plaid pajama pants and a plain white tee. “I hate to just show up like this, but me and Mack have a rule. She didn’t call last night.”
“That’s because I was perfectly safe,” she says coming up behind me. She wraps her arm around my waist and I kiss the top of her head. “And we kind of lost track of time.”
Zander grins, taking in our demeanor toward each other. “Okay, I’ll let it slide this time.” He steps past us. “What’s for breakfast?”
He opens my fridge, turning back and frowning almost immediately.
“How do you survive? There’s like no food in here.”
I shrug. “I have the basics.”
“What? Like milk and beer.” He clicks his tongue. “You two are going to have to come down stairs. I’ll make
waffles.”
I’m about to suggest he eats waffles by himself so I can eat Mack for breakfast when she looks up at me with a hopeful smile. “I love waffles,” she whispers.
With a sigh, I kiss her temple. “Me, too.”
Twenty minutes later we’re sitting around the small dinette table in Mack’s apartment. I put sweatpants on, but we’re still dressed like we just rolled out of bed. Mack’s hair is piled on top her head and the only makeup she has on is a slight smudge of mascara left over from last night. She looks so beautiful I can’t stop staring at her. She senses my attention and gives me a shove under the table.
“You’re gorgeous,” I whisper, leaning over to kiss her.
Zander sputters a laugh from his spot at the waffle maker. “You two are sickeningly sweet already.” He turns around with a full platter and sets it down in the middle of the table with a wink. “Don’t worry, I totally love it though.”
“Well, I love… waffles,” Mackenzie says digging a fork into the center of the platter.
I still my pounding heart and pick up my fork. For some reason I thought that sentence was going to go a different way.
“So, Perry called last night,” Zander says, dumping an excessive amount of syrup on his plate.
Mackenzie nods. “He called me, too. I’ll call him later.” She takes a bite and Zander narrows his eyes at her.
“He wants to know if you got your ticket yet. I’d go with you, but my sister’s flying in from Arizona so it looks like I’ll be roughing it on the beaches of Cali for Thanksgiving break.”
Mackenzie chews slowly, evading his question. I turn to her. “I can go with you.” Her eyes widen a little and I backtrack. “That is, if you want me to.”
She swallows and reaches for her glass of milk. After taking a long drink, her eyes meet mine. “You want to come home with me?”
Embarrassment creeps into my cheeks. I did kind of invite myself, but there’s no taking it back now.